Regarding what I carved, it's a block of something, and on the back of it, it says that it's a "New Improved Speeding-Cut (tm) Carving Block Product No. 4346" from Speedball. It seems like it's more rubbery than lino-y. My biggest complaint is that it splits really easily--this one cracked from one side into the middle, and I can't figure out why--the crack doesn't even run along a carved line, or anything. But it **is** very easy to carve. I want to try the eraser carving that you mentioned, though--and I think I'd like to try a proper linoleum block, too. Not wood, though (not yet anyway)--too hard.

you might be able to get it at a local art store. and surprising enough, i've heard that the new brownish color lino-cut material is pretty easy to carve and print from. although i tried lino (mine was an old gray piece) once and wasn't patient with the inking results but many people do like the lino process. don't know how far along you are but this is a good how-to for soft-block carving:http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/carving/toolcare.htm

Michaels Arts & Crafts might carry the Mars Staed. softblock in the small eraser-size. But it would be worth it to order it online just to get the larger sizes. And of course other online companies sell the Mars Staed. softblock, but I prefer McClains because that is where I order my woodblock supplies - with exception of Baren Mall at http://www.barenforum.org - the group that inspired me to woodblock. You know, asakiyume, that a special woodblock plywood at McClain's called "All Shina" is very easy to carve and is quite durable: http://www.imcclains.com/catalog/blocks/allshina.html. You might order a few pieces of it if you place an order :) You can get a decent set of Japanese woodblock carving tools at Woodcraft store. You might have one local or go online: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=1349. If you think you might like to try woodblock, this set is on sale for $20!!! That's a STEAL! I have two of these sets and they are highly recommended in the woodblock community for students and intermediates as well :) Sorry my note is long. I get so excited about sharing woodblock info! And Yes...you are right....there are many pleasures in this life :) Hopefully soon I can get back to my woodblock, too.